To reflect the way integrators adopt new technology, the Excellence in Product Innovation awards—featuring all-new categories—will now be announced at NSCA’s annual Excellence in Business Operations (XBO) Experience.
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA, July 28, 2025 – NSCA, the leading not-for-profit association representing the commercial integration industry, is excited to announce that entries are now being accepted for the 12th annual Excellence in Product Innovation awards. This recognition program honors manufacturers and products that have a profound impact on systems integrators, and its 12th year comes with big changes.
Winners will now be announced at NSCA’s annual Excellence in Business Operations (XBO) Experience event instead of the Business & Leadership Conference (BLC). This year’s XBO Experience event is being held in Austin, TX, on Oct. 28-29, 2025.
Given the ever-changing nature of commercial integration, the Excellence in Product Innovation awards divisions have been completely revamped to reflect key growth areas. Twenty-five (25) winners will be named in each of the following categories, which are grouped into six divisions:
1. AI & Intelligent Automation Division
Products that harness artificial intelligence, machine learning, and/or automated processes to enhance integrator and/or end-user experiences.
- Best AI-Infused Classroom AV Solution
- Best AI-Infused Enterprise AV Solution
- Best AI-Infused School Safety Solution
- Best AI-Infused Surveillance Solution
- Best AI-Infused Access Control Solution
- Best AI-Infused Digital Signage Solution
2. Recurring Revenue & Service Enablement Division
Technologies that empower integrators to build sustainable recurring revenue through service contracts, monitoring, and support platforms.
- Best RMR-Generating Corporate AV Solution
- Best RMR-Generating School Security Solution
- Best RMR-Generating Higher Education Solution
3. Installation & Integration Excellence Division
Products designed for easy deployment, retrofitting, or seamless integration to reduce labor, time, and/or cost in the field.
- Best Installation Tool for Integrators
- Best Project Management Tool
- Best System Design Tool
- Best Job Costing and Financial Management Tool
- Best Training Program/Solution for Integrators
4. Cybersecurity & Risk Mitigation Division
Technologies that strengthen system security, protect data, and help integrators offer secure solutions to clients.
- Best Cyber-Protected Security Product for Education
- Best Cyber-Protected AV Product for Education
- Best Cyber-Protected Security Product for Corporate
- Best Cyber-Protected AV Product for Corporate
5. Platform Power & Ecosystem Integration Division
Technologies that serve as a central platform or integrate seamlessly with broader ecosystems to deliver scalable value.
- Best Centralized AV Platform for the Classroom
- Best Centralized AV Platform for Command & Control
- Best Centralized Security Platform for Education
- Best Centralized Security Platform for Enterprise
6. Next-Gen Innovation Division
Products that are trailblazing and future-forward, redefining what’s possible in the integration industry.
- Best Next-Generation Networking and Wireless Tools
- Best AR/VR/XR-Enabled Design Technologies
- Best AR/VR/XR-Enabled Education Technologies
Any manufacturer that produces innovative technology solutions for installation by commercial integrators is eligible for this award. Industry manufacturers may nominate their own products and are encouraged to take advantage of early-bird pricing now through Aug. 21, 2025, which offers savings of $100 per submission.
“We’ve evolved the Excellence in Product Innovation awards this year to better reflect the innovations that drive the industry forward,” says Tom LeBlanc, NSCA executive director. “Our updated categories ensure that we recognize not only breakthrough products but also solutions that solve critical business and operational challenges. Our goal is to honor innovations that empower integrators to deliver more value to their clients.”
Winners will be recognized through the following coverage:
- On-stage recognition at NSCA’s XBO Experience event
- A quarter-page ad in one issue of Integrate (NSCA’s quarterly trade publication)
- Online product footer ad on NSCA.org
- Included in NSCA press release announcement
- Spotlight in Inside NSCA, NSCA’s biweekly e-newsletter
- Social media shoutouts
- Featured in a blog posted on NSCA’s website to spotlight EPI winners
- Mentioned in Commercial Integrator and Security Sales & Integration online articles
All entries will be featured in a photo gallery on CommercialIntegrator.com, listed in NSCA’s press release announcement, and included in a Commercial Integrator e-newsletter.
Entries are being accepted now through Sept. 25, 2025. Each product entry is $697; however, NSCA members can save $200 per entry by contacting NSCA for a coupon code. (Call 800-446-6722 or email mjohnson@nsca.org for the code.) NSCA members can combine this discount code with the early-bird rate as well.
To enter, visit https://epiawards.secure-platform.com. Products submitted for consideration must be announced after July 1, 2024, and they must be available for sale and shipment on or before Dec. 31, 2025.
About NSCA
The National Systems Contractors Association (NSCA) is the leading not-for-profit association representing the commercial integration industries. The National Systems Contractors Association is a powerful advocate for all who work in the integration industry, including systems contractors/integrators, product manufacturers, consultants, sales representatives, architects, specifying engineers and other allied professionals. NSCA is dedicated to serving its contractor members and all channel stakeholders through advocacy, education, member services, and networking designed to improve business performance. For more information, visit www.nsca.org.
